Burke’s Book Store, a Memphis institution since 1875, may be forced to close unless it can resolve its increasingly bleak financial situation.
Owners Corey and Cheryl Mesler mailed a letter to the store’s customers this week, saying “we are not generating enough revenue to pay our bills.” They cite a number of reasons: “Sales are down. Superstores are soaking up every available book dollar from independents. And people are shopping online instead of browsing.”
The Meslers say they are searching for a way to save the store, located at 1719 Poplar. Among other things, they are encouraging people to do more shopping there. In the long run, however, “it must be said right now that we need cash in the form of donations.” This may seem like a desperate move, but they point out that other communities have saved bookstores this way.
“And Burke’s, we are sorry to say, has come to that,” concludes their letter. “This is our plea for help. We are hoping for a positive response.”
For more information, visit the Burke’s Book Store Web site here.